Moving to Paris is a dream for many Americans. The Eiffel Tower, croissants on every street corner, weekend trips to the South of France or neighboring European countries—what’s not to love? But once the excitement of relocation settles, many expats find themselves navigating a surprising number of cultural differences they weren’t quite prepared for.
At Paris Rental, we specialize in long-term furnished rentals in Paris tailored for Americans moving to Paris, international companies, and embassies. We’ve worked with hundreds of Americans over the years and heard it all—from the charming to the downright baffling. So, we thought it was time to break down the most common cultural shocks Americans face when moving to Paris, and how to navigate them with grace.
1. The French Pace of Life: Slower, But Intentional
If you're used to the hustle and bustle of American cities like New York, where the average full-time worker puts in around 47 hours a week, or Chicago, where lunch is often a desk-side sandwich, Paris might feel like it moves in slow motion. In France, the average workweek is legally capped at 35 hours, and employees are entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation annually—one of the most generous systems in the world.
The French take their time—whether it's lingering over a one-hour, multi-course lunch or enjoying a leisurely coffee at a corner café. A 2023 survey found that 76% of French workers say they value work-life balance over career advancement. It's not laziness; it's a different philosophy of life centered around intentionality and well-being. People here prioritize quality over quantity, whether in food, social connections, or daily routines.
It may take some adjustment, but many Americans find themselves embracing and even craving this more relaxed rhythm. It's a reminder that life isn't always about productivity—sometimes, it's about presence.
3. The Apartment Reality Check
For many Americans relocating to Paris, the Paris rental market often delivers one of the first major cultural shocks. The typical Parisian apartment is notably smaller than what many are accustomed to—averaging approximately 50 square meters (around 540 square feet), compared to the U.S. national average of 160 square meters (over 1,700 square feet).
Approximately 78% of homes in Paris are apartments, and over 60% of the city's residential buildings were constructed before 1949. This means many properties come with historic charm—but also with structural limitations. For example, less than 50% of older buildings have elevators, making upper-floor walk-ups fairly common. A fifth-floor apartment with no lift can mean climbing over 100 steps—a built-in workout that surprises many newcomers.
Standard features also differ:
- Closet space is often limited, as older Parisian buildings were not designed with built-in wardrobes.
- Full-sized ovens are found in less than 35% of central Paris apartments.
- Washing machines in the kitchen are common, while dryers are rare.
- Bathrooms are often split, with the toilet located separately from the main bathroom—a traditional French layout still found in many apartments today.
Yet despite these quirks, Paris apartments offer distinct advantages. Many boast beautiful Haussmannian details: high ceilings (3+ meters), ornate moldings, original parquet floors, and balconies with views of cobblestone courtyards, tree-lined boulevards, or even the Eiffel Tower. These architectural features contribute to the unique aesthetic that makes Parisian living so appealing.
Location is also a key factor in Parisian apartments:
- Over 70% of Paris residents live within 500 meters of a bakery, and grocery store.
- More than 90% of households are within walking distance of public transport, making car ownership unnecessary.
- Central arrondissements offer excellent proximity to schools, parks, museums, and local markets, increasing demand for well-located apartments.
If you're seeking a furnished apartment for rent in Paris with modern amenities, Paris Rental offers a handpicked selection of long-term rental properties in central Paris and western Parisian suburbs that combine modern comfort with authentic Parisian style. Whether you're looking for a contemporary 1-bedroom flat, an elegant Haussmannian apartment, a spacious family apartment, or a townhouse in the suburbs, our multilingual team is here to assist you every step—from the initial search to lease signing and utility setup.
Let us help you find a home that reflects both your lifestyle and the timeless elegance of Paris.
4. Dining Etiquette: Meals Are Sacred
If you're used to sipping your latte on the go or eating lunch hunched over your keyboard, Paris may feel like a different world—one where food is treated with near-reverence. In France, meals are not just about nourishment; they're a daily ritual centered on connection, conversation, and, of course, wine and cheese (in generous quantities).
Lunch breaks are notably longer than in many other countries. According to a 2022 survey, the average French lunch break lasts 1 hour and 22 minutes, compared to just 36 minutes in the United States. Here, dining is not about speed—it's about savoring.
There's a rhythm to eating out, too. Waitstaff typically won't bring the check until you ask ("L'addition, s'il vous plaît") because lingering at the table is encouraged. There's no rush, no pressure to vacate your seat for the next customer. Meals are meant to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Be prepared for late dinners as well. In Paris, 7 PM is considered early—8 PM to 9 PM is far more typical, and that's merely the beginning. A proper French dinner often includes multiple courses: wine, a main dish, a cheese course, perhaps dessert, coffee, and above all, long, engaging conversation. It's not unusual for meals to stretch over several hours, with phones remaining tucked away throughout.
5. Language: Even a Little French Goes a Long Way
It's true—more Parisians speak English now than ever before. In fact, approximately 39% of French people report being able to hold a conversation in English. That said, just because many can doesn't mean it should be expected. A recent survey revealed that 72% of expats in Paris found that learning even a tiny amount of French significantly eased their transition. And unsurprisingly, 100% admitted to saying "bonjour" far more than they anticipated.
Making an effort to speak French—even if only a few words—demonstrates respect and often earns you a warmer welcome. It's a gesture that goes further than you might think.
Begin with the basics:
- Bonjour (hello)
- Merci (thank you)
- S’il vous plaît (please)
- Pardon (excuse me / sorry)
Saying "Bonjour" when entering a store or greeting someone isn't just good manners—it's part of the social fabric. Skip it, and you might be met with polite indifference. Use it, and you may be surprised at how doors (and conversations) open—sometimes along with an unexpected treat, like a complimentary macaron.
Concerned about the language barrier when it comes to finding a home? No need to worry. At Paris Rental, we speak your language. Our multilingual team (English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and more) is here to support you every step of the way—from reviewing leases to setting up utilities. No translation apps required.
6. Friendships Take Time—but They're Deep
In the U.S., it's common to strike up a conversation with a stranger at a party or even while waiting in line for coffee. Social interactions tend to be open, spontaneous, and fast-paced. In Paris, things are a bit different.
The French can be more reserved at first, especially outside of expat or international circles. Casual small talk isn't as common, and friendships are not formed overnight. A 2021 survey found that only 26% of French respondents enjoy chatting with strangers—compared to 61% of Americans. So, if you're not instantly met with enthusiastic warmth, don't take it personally—it's just a different approach to social connection.
But here's the beautiful part: once a French person considers you a friend, it means something. Truly. Friendships here tend to be deep, loyal, and long-lasting. You may be invited into their home for long dinners, introduced to their family, and encouraged (read: lovingly forced) to finish every last bit of the cheese platter before you leave. These bonds take time to build, but the payoff is meaningful. Once you're in, you're in for life.
Fun fact: French culture places a high value on quality over quantity in relationships. According to a Eurostat study, the French report fewer but closer friendships than many of their European neighbors.
7. Bureaucracy: The Paperwork Is Real
There's no way around it—navigating French bureaucracy can be one of the more challenging aspects of moving to Paris. France has a reputation for complex administrative processes. According to the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business report, France ranks 32nd out of 190 countries, and many expats cite bureaucracy as one of the more frustrating parts of daily life.
When it comes to renting an apartment, the paperwork required is often surprising to newcomers. French landlords are typically very cautious and require a comprehensive rental dossier, which includes documents such as:
- A valid passport or residence permit
- Proof of income (tenants are generally expected to earn a net income at least three times the monthly rent)
- Recent tax returns or a signed work contract
- French bank account details
- Utility bills or proof of previous residence
- A French guarantor, a bank guarantee or a third-party guarantee service, such as GarantMe
These documents often need to be provided in both digital and printed formats, and official translations may be requested in some cases.
Opening a French bank account also requires documentation, including proof of residence, identification, and often a letter from your employer or landlord. Similarly, setting up a mobile phone plan, internet, or home insurance requires several documents and—unlike in the U.S.—cannot always be done online in a single afternoon.
While this level of paperwork may feel excessive to Americans accustomed to more streamlined digital systems, it reflects France's deeply ingrained culture of formality and administrative precision.
Luckily, Paris Rental is here to support you through every step of renting an apartment in Paris, from preparing a strong rental dossier to reviewing lease agreements, setting up utility accounts, and navigating French rental laws. Our multilingual team is well-versed in French administrative procedures and committed to making your relocation to Paris as smooth and efficient as possible.
Editor: Siyi CHEN
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